Grazin' In The Grass Is A Gas And Diggin' In The Soil Is A Toil

It's still a little chilly in SE Georgia for March almost April, but this is what we did today.

Started the vegetable garden!

Hubby planted Blue Lake Green Beans, Fordhook Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Straight Neck Yellow Squash and 6 Beef Stake Tomato plants. The garden should produce more this year because we spent more time preparing the soil with fertilizer and composed cow manure.

I also planted Giant Zinnia's next to the water hose, seeds left over from last year. So not only will there be food, there will be color.

Oh, and furry kids helped.

Sam (8 1/2 months)

"Throw it Mommy!? Huh? Would ya?!"

Jack (left) and Sam taking a breather from the

exhausting work of supervising a garden! *lol*

While Lucy, the one good dog, looks on ...

I'm also learning how to use my new Windows 8.1 HP Desktop computer. I finally gave up trying to "save" everything to an external hard drive. Starting over is just so much less drama.

I hope everyone had a lovely, happy Sunday. What did you do today?

Status Update

Jack and Sam

The Jack Russell Terrorist Brothers

I have been under-the-weather this week with a rip snortin' head cold. I haven't had one lay me this low since about 1993. I hope to be back and in snarky ... eh ... sparky form soon.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Funny Friday ~ Nothing Loves You Like A Dog

"Dogs  Welcome"

A man wrote a letter to a small  hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation.

He wrote: I would very much like  to bring my dog with me. He is well-groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at  night?"

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote:

"SIR: I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls or use them as a coloring book.   I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill.

Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel. 

And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."

~ Thank you for putting the kickstand down ~

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Random Thoughts And Doings

I have been so busy working outside this week. It's a little too warm for October, well, now November, but it's still nice enough to be in the yard. The pine trees are shedding Big Time. Their spent leaves are so pretty around plants. City people have to pay for this, we get it for free. 



With all this lovely free pine straw I added copious amounts to my "Tranquility Base". One of my favorite things when the weather permits is sitting on the swing, reading an Agatha Christie and listening to the windchimes. It helps take the sting out of daily life. ~smile~

 

Now that The Boys are old enough they've started wandering farther from the house. They've figured out they can slip through the field fence ~little boogers~ that encompasses our 6+ acres, so, Sweetie is installing chicken wire to keep them in. $$cha-ching$$ Maybe now we can go for a motorcycle ride and not have to worry about their whereabouts or lock them up in their portable kennel.

Jack (left), Sam (right) laying on Lucy's legs

Good thing they're worth it. All together now ... awwwww. ~lol~
 

Now they have this new thing of sleeping in their toy basket. My step-mom, Myra, wove the basket as a gift to me over 30 years ago. I'm sure she would approve of it's use since she enjoyed dogs too.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

 

Lucy And The Sky With Diamonds

Lucy, our beloved boxer, was very ill at the start of this week.

Last Saturday, a holiday weekend, she and I began our daily walk around the property. I try to always walk about two miles each and every day. Helps clear the cobwebs. By the time I approached the workshop a few feet from the house, she went into convulsions, salivating uncontrollably. I thought maybe she was having a heart attack or a stroke. Scared me good! Even though it was the weekend Hubby immediately tried calling the Vet. Living so far out in the country, with no large towns close by, Vet had previously told us to always try calling him in an emergency. (Good man!) Unfortunately, Vet and family where out of town all that day. I tried comforting Lucy as best I could. Got her back inside in the air conditioning. She seemed to improve a bit that afternoon. Vet finally could call late that evening. To make a short story long -smile- she ended up suffering all weekend long. Monday, Hubby and Vet coordinated a time to meet at his closed office late in the evening. Hundreds of dollars worth of tests -groan- later, she was diagnosed with a severe intestinal bacterial infection! My baby! Vet gave us a list of what the culprits could have been from dirty water dishes (nope, bleached them anyway), to a tick (nope), some other things.

Finally, he asked are there any mushrooms in the yard?

“With all this rain we’ve had this summer?”, said I, “Well, yeah.”

Vet laughed, then said “Aw ha!” We found the culprit.

Apparently, Lucy had picked up a mushroom somewhere along the line, chewed on it, and ended up with a life-threatening, budget busting intestinal bacterial infection. Thanks to all the blood work she was saved just in the nic of time. From the blood work, Vet also determined that Lucy is having a bit of liver trouble. (Hope that’s temporary.) She’s 10 ½ years old, and I know that big dogs don't live as long as little dogs, but I’m hoping she’ll be around awhile longer.

So, nursing her back to health has been our goal this week. She is on four separate twice daily medications. It seems she is on the mend as I “pen” these words.

Hey, did you hear the latest? Scientists claim they can tell from recent studies that the planets Saturn and Jupiter may be raining diamonds?!

Holy Cow! I need a spaceship! NOW! -ha ha-

Another situation I‘ve had to deal with this week is The Boys, Jack and Sam. Thanks for asking, they are coming along nicely. At now 13 weeks of age, I “think” they are finally housebroken. (Now that I've said that ...) They’re using the pet door, playing in the yard unsupervised and returning to the house, all without my reminding them what to do. I'm so weary of having to get up at 3 am and take them outside for a pee break. So rather than pin them in their little sleeping box last night, I decided to leave them “loose”. Happily they took themselves out all without reminding them to do so! -yay- They’ve also already figured out the automatic feeders and the many peculiarities of living in our home. They love Lucy. I think she takes them with a grain of salt but everyone seems to be getting along swimmingly.

I can relax a little now.

To celebrate Hubby said he’s going to fix one of my favorite Bad For My Diet meals tonight. -smile- No, it’s not the Mac ‘N Cheese by Kraft and all beef hotdogs. -drool- It’s homemade hamburgers on whole wheat buns with everything but the kitchen sink on them. I go all out dressing my ‘burgers too with ketchup, mayo, mustard and so forth. Want fries with that? No, but I will have a beer. I think I deserve one.

Hope everyone has a very nice weekend.


~ Ride Safe ~


Sparky

And They Called It Puppy Love

Hallelujah, after searching high and low, we finally found two dogs that we could both agree on. What a trial this has been! It's been so hard for me since Maxie died. No dog will ever replace her but, doggone it, I was determined to move on. First we tried all the local pounds, even the big Pet Fair in Jacksonville, Florida, last weekend. No luck. I would venture to say that at least 95% of the dogs available for adoption in these places where big dogs. The where predominately Pit Bull or Lab / Pit mix. Too big for our home. And many of them where so badly scarred from fighting and neglect that they will have to be put down. Poor little things. I came away from those events in tears. It was so disheartening to see how people can be cruel to an animal that only wants to love you.

I was beginning to despair for finding a good terrier breed dog we could afford on our budget. But Sunday afternoon Hubby called a very nice lady that owns Callahan Kennels in Kingsland, Georgia, that was advertising a 12 week old litter of Jack Russell Terrier puppies in Craigslist. Yesterday, we made the one hour trip to view them and just fell in love. I was just going to buy one but when I learned there where two and they where so adorable and healthy, it was an easy choice. I'm glad I did that now because they never whine or feel homesick since they have each other.

So, meet brothers Jack (left) and Sam. They've been in our home since yesterday and to call them "hyper" is an understatement! [smile] Lordy! Now we Old Fogey's are really weary this evening. That's OK, though. They'll calm down and be housebroken. Soon. I hope. Today our wonderful Vet said they are very healthy, not a parasite to be found. Excellent news!

Lucy wonders about these

new fuzzy things in the house.

Lucy is taking it all in stride. She's such a good dog. Her left leg joint has been ailing her pretty badly too. I'm keeping her on doggie approved aspirin when necessary and an occasional partial beer. Bless her heart. With the join pain it helps her sleep and is safer than medicine.

Now you know why my posting and visiting blogs has slowed down.

But I think they're worth it. I like having warm fuzzies in the house again.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Maxie's Tombstone Marker

We live way out in the country. There's very little commerce in our county except for pine tree harvesting, a grocery store or two and a pharmacy. So, Tuesday we drove 50 miles to The Big City of Brunswick to go to my favorite concrete statue store, Concrete Creations. I was looking for that special something that was 'just right' for Maxie's grave. Today, my sweet husband, painted the formerly all gray concrete marker in honor of our little puppy.

 

I know, I know. All this really is helping with the grieving process. And I am getting better. Really I am. I'm not crying as often and amazingly have started looking at different types of puppies on-line. The next dog will not be a miniature schnauzer. I do adore 'mini's' but they are way too much maintenance for an O.F. like me. [ha ha] I need something that doesn't require grooming and probably around 20-25 pounds. But a purchase of another dog is many months away, I'm sure. It's still too soon.

Anyway, didn't he do a splendid job!? Since there are other pet graves under our big oaks now (I can't believe we've been here over 20 years now!) he said he would also refurbish those.

He's such a wonderful man. I treasure him more every year.

Hope y'all are having a good week and looking forward to an equally happy weekend.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Bluer Than Blue

I just can't seem to shake it ... the overwhelming saddness I have felt since Maxie died.

It's been nearly a week.

I thought I would "feel better" by now. I think I've tried everything: cleaning the house, putting away or throwing out her things, talking to Sweetie about it, going for long walks, getting enough sleep, a B-12 shot, prayer, reading God's Word. We even had our good friends over (in whom's company I always enjoy) and watched our favorite funny movie "Young Frankenstein".

Nope. I'm still a dope.

I still see her in my mnd's eye. I can still feel her near me and I start crying all over again. I can't concentrate or feel happy about anything. I'm scared to death to ride. Case in point: I almost had a bad accident when I lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer in January 2007. We went for a ride on our respective metal steeds soon after Maggie went to Heaven and I almost ran mine off the road! Thank goodness the new rumble strips on the roadsides shook me out of the stupor and I put the bike back on the road without any further incident. Dang! One mustn't be distracted when riding. It's not like being on four wheels where mistakes are a little more forgiving.

This is so unlike me! I'm almost always so cheerful. I seem to be stuck in a perpetual Pity Party. [sigh] I gotta shake this thing.

Oh, well, maybe tomorrow will be better.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

In Loving Memory Of A Very Good Dog

Maxie

07 June 2005

In better days

I hope this doesn't seem like I'm trying to solicit more sympathy, this is not what this post all about. Those of you who have already been so kind as to e-mail me separately offering condolences and sympathy, feel free to pass this one by, if so desired. And Thank You again for all the kind words and prayers. But I'm of the mind it would be nice to share with all here why I'm so silent for awhile. Maybe it's a little therapy for me too. [grin]

My little dog Maxie of almost 15 years passed away Wednesday, September 4th. During her last days it was exceedingly rough on all of us. Due to aging, she had suffered from severe cataracts, was almost completely deaf. She'd lost her cute little squeaky bark and the Cushings Disease caused her limbs to be almost completely atrophied. It was pitiful to watch. During the last few hours of life she was going into renal failure. I had to do something. Quick! So, our kindly country Vet opened his office late in the evening for us. Hubby and I held her while he administered the drugs. She dozed off very peacefully while I stroked her head and spoke sweetly into her good ear. I told the Vet, I was sorry he had to be the one to do this (sometimes we tend to forget, doctors have feelings too). Thanked him. Then we drove her earthly remains home to rest next to our other little fur babies under the majestic oaks next to the cemetery next door. She is buried with her favorite bed and squeaky ball.

That little dog was very near and dear to my heart. I used to always proclaim "I won't go anywhere Maxie can't go!" and I meant that. Yesterday was beyond hard. I kept feeling her all around me. So, to ease the pain of separation, I set to cleaning the house. I stored or threw away items that remind of Maxie. It was amazingly therapeutic. I think things are better today. I'm only tearing up a little. [smile] Hubby misses her terribly too. I know it will take some time to heal. Truthfully, dealing with an aging pet was hard to begin with. I had to make special concessions for her, which I didn't mind, but that stress is gone now.

Anyway, for those of you don't already know, I made a memorial for her at one of my favorite websites: FindAGrave. If you're a member, please do leave a "flower" or comment here. I do appreciate everyone's kindness beyond measure. I plan to buy her a little doggie tombstone as soon as I find one that's appropriate. Nothing is too good for that little dog.

God bless you all.

Time Enough

While Hubby is off visiting family in Florida this weekend, I thought I would spend time reading. I love to read: novels, magazines, newspapers, anything in print. When I was growing up, it was one of my escapes from the horrors of living at home. The habit stayed with me. My husband is blessed with being able to read with noise and distractions. He said they don't bother him, lucky guy. I wish I had that gift. I have to have absolute peace and quiet. So, I thought, I would spend most of the weekend enjoying my second favorite hobby. Right now I'm engrossed in another publication about the Tudor family (late 1400's-early 1500's England) titled "Henry: Virtuous Prince" by David Starkey. Henry the VIII was a fascinating character. He went from idyllic Prince, King and husband to a tyrant. History is a wonderful thing. I've learned lots of the human psychology of what it takes to be a world leader. To have the adulation of millions and to hold control over so many lives must be intoxicating. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely," is a very true statement. A person can lose their very soul over it. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" [Mark 8:36] God is so much wiser than the 'wisest' of mankind.

But back to my present-day human condition. I was going to entertain myself with reading this weekend. Ahh, peace and quiet. I would turn off the distractions then start a chapter. Part way in, current events begin to invade my thoughts. "I really need to take care of ... it'll only take a minute ... " And off I go. Work. Bathe this, wash that, tidy this ... blah, blah, blah.

Finally, I've given up. Now I'm watching old Alfred Hitchcock films and blogging. [ha ha]

And for those of you in The Know, Maxie (miniature schnauzer) is still holding on.

Maxie has always been my little girl. I call her "puppy" but next month she will be 15 years old. She was aging gracefully but then suddenly, about a year ago, she was having strange symptoms. So I took her to the Vet and she was diagnosed with Cushings Disease. Now she's not aging well at all thanks to the Cushings compounded by age related cataracts, deafness, and frequent infections. Poor kid has experienced a lot of painful epileptic type episodes that's why I keep her close. She'll still try to cuddle with me but I can tell it's too painful (skin becomes very sensitive). Maxie is the reason I haven't been able to travel for the past several months because boarding her is simply out of the question. It would be down-right cruel to do so. That's OK, I don't mind staying behind. I'll just bear it until she is no longer with us. I'm gonna miss that little dog when she's gone.

Anyway, that's my holiday weekend. I'm still having a good time. At least I've gotten a lot of work done!

But, truth be told, I'd rather be riding or enjoying the cook-out down in Florida. [smile]

Hope y'all have had a nice weekend too. Now back to the movie ...

~Ride Safe~

Sparky

It's A Doggone Shame

... that dogs age so much faster than us.

I love dogs! It doesn't matter what the color, shape or breed but I especially like Miniature Schnauzers. Dogs love us so unconditionally. To them we are "as gods". Cats, eh, well, as they say, cats only view us as staff. *lol*

We have two dogs, a 10 year old boxer Lucy and Maxie. Isn't she cute?

Maxie in 2008 after a professional groom. See how nice and clear her eyes where?

Now the poor kid can only see dimmly, her hearing is almost completely gone, she has to take medicine to keep from peeing by accident and many of her teeth are chipped from age. Plus she has had a few close calls with death: kidney stones, hit by a truck, etc. but our wonderful Vet, Dr. Flanders, has always been there for her.

She just turned 14 years old a few days ago. That's pretty doggone ancient for a canine. Maxie has been a part of our household since she was only 3 months old. Miniature Schnauzers change color as they age. Maxie started out with pink skin and brown fur, migrated to a shimmering silver, and is now settling down to a dark gray with age spots. Now my little girl Maxie is old. She's been my almost constant companion for many years.

Well, it's 4 o'clock. Time for their daily "cookies and pills". These two never let me forget.

Looks Like We've Gotta Bug And Other Things

Our household has been inundated with a rhino virus this week. I've been so out-of-sorts, I felt like ...

"Edgar Suit" in Men In Black
... yeah, like "we've gotta bug" and I got stuck with the Edgar Suit. But time, and enough drugs, heals all wounds. Hubby had a mild version and my knock-me-to-my-knees-and-cry-Uncle is quickly dispelling.

Onwards and upwards.

I've had time to think and that's not always a good thing. I start reminiscing when I'm not distracted by modern life. I miss having a waist. I miss old friends. I miss having energy. And I miss my little dog Sammy. My dad's miniature schnauzer suffered from congestive heart failure for many months and then finally succumbed to renal failure. He passed on June 10th. Poor little guy. Sam could be a pain in the behind but I miss him. He had so much personality.

Now my other little mini, Maxie, has suddenly taken sick. After a trip outside to take care of "busines", she was attacked by mysterious forces and had a terrible reaction to something. Poor thing was sick! We have yet to find the culprit. From that she contracted a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and needed antibiotics. Then even with treatment, she kept wetting at inopportune times. Now it seems she has a hormone deficiency (welcome to my world kid!) and is on medicine for that. Good grief! So much for saving money this month ... NOT!

In the “has anybody else tried this“ catagory: Hubby and I have pretty much given up carbo's. We’re losing weight like crazy and not having any trouble with hunger pains. Yesterday, he made lasagna. For the recipe, he substituted zucchini for the noodles. IT IS SCRUMPTIOUS!! And totally quilt free. One cuts up about 10 zucchini length-wise, pre-bake them in the oven, then use that instead of noodles. Oh, be sure to add a little fennell seed or it won't taste Italian. I wonder what wonderful creation he’ll come up with next.

I’m praying that Hurricane Irene will drop some of that lovely rain on us. Or, better still, maybe the Lord will send a Tropical Storm or two to the Texas Hill Country. They need it desperately!

Well, I’m tired again. This thing is kickin’ my backside. Hope y’all are having a good week and not thinking too much. :)

We're Finally Done!

After much anticipation, we are FINALLY finished with the home office remodeling.


As you can see, Maxie 'helped' lay the flooring.
Riiiight! :)


Once we got away from the walls,
and all it's strange protrusions and angles, the floor went very quickly.


And, here 'tis! In all it's glory.
This is facing east.
How do you like my new Z-Line desk?
Smart looking, huh?!


I decided to put the two cabinets together
for a better effect. Looks like one long one now.


Now I have an excellent view of the
bird feeder & woods just outside these south facing windows.


There was also room for our fold out sofa.
The room can double as a 3rd bedroom when needed.

Well, I hope y'all enjoyed the tour. Even with all the new aches & pains and one trip to my Pain Doctor, it was worth all the effort. Our next project is rip out all the carpeting in the house and replace it with Pergo flooring.

But that's another post. :)

Hope you're staying warm and safe my friends! Thanks for stopping by.

Gopher Tortoise

A mature Gopher Tortoise come up into our yard today. Needlss to say, the dogs were not happy! After they voiced their loud opinions, I locked them inside and helped the tortoise to move on into the woods. They are a protected species.



Gosh, I just love living out here. :)